The Arkansas Department of Health noticed an alarming trend in 2012 — an increase in rabies cases in wild animals.

Arkansas saw its reported rabies cases increase in 2012, with 131 rabid animals reported last year, the majority of them skunks and bats. These numbers are nearly tripled from the state’s 20-year average of 47 rabid animal reportings per year.

Jeremy Hale, an environmental health specialist with the Pope County Health Unit, said while these numbers go against the trend, it’s not necessarily out of the ordinary given prior statistics from previous years.

“If you refer back to some of the statistical data, if you go back far enough, you do see spikes where there’s an increase in cases. It is something that we do see,” he said. “I don’t want to make too much out of it, but it is a concern.”

So far this year, there are five reported cases of rabid skunks in Pope County, which already matches last year’s total of reported rabies cases in the county. But the virus, primarily seen in bats and skunks, is preventable in pets by having a licensed veterinarian administer a rabies vaccination.

“All warm-blooded mammals can get the virus, and that’s why we’re so worried about our domesticated animals,” Hale said. “We want to make sure people are getting their dogs and cats vaccinated.”

State law requires pet owners to have their pets receive rabies vaccinations.

Additionally, residents should avoid feeding, touching or adopting wild animals, as well as not leave food outside, as it can attract wild animals. Pet owners should also keep family pets indoors at night.

If you think you have been bitten or come in contact with a rabid animal, thoroughly clean your wound with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.

Also contact a physician or the county health unit to report the incident. If possible, the animal needs to be captured, without damaging its head or risking further exposure.